Nations have agreed on a funding plan at UN talks in Rome to reverse nature’s decline, aiming to raise $200bn by 2030 for biodiversity. This follows last year’s failed negotiations in Colombia. The deal includes national funding strategies, a permanent nature fund, and support for indigenous groups. Despite the absence of some countries, including the US, the agreement is seen as a success in international cooperation. Environmental charities welcome the deal but stress the need for immediate action and funding. Noah Prescott 28/02/2025 1:00 pm
Hundreds of thousands rallied across Greece on the second anniversary of a deadly train crash that killed 57 people, demanding justice and accountability. Striking workers grounded flights and halted transport, while mass demonstrations occurred nationwide. Protesters criticized the government for not addressing safety gaps or initiating a parliamentary inquiry. The government denies wrongdoing, attributing the investigation to the judiciary. The protests reflect deep-seated mistrust of the government, exacerbated by past economic crises. Demonstrators expressed anger, calling the crash “murder” and accusing the government of a cover-up. Penelope Kingsley 28/02/2025 1:00 pm
Pilots were unexpectedly informed mid-flight about a Chinese live-fire naval exercise near Australia, prompting route changes in a busy air corridor. This incident underscores the growing need for airlines to quickly adapt to geopolitical and military disruptions. China’s assertive military drills in the Indo-Pacific, including the Tasman Sea, are raising regional tensions. Despite China’s claim of adequate warning to Australian and New Zealand authorities, the exercise caught pilots off guard, highlighting communication challenges. The situation was reported to air traffic control and Australia’s military for verification. Ava Sinclair 28/02/2025 9:30 am
South Korea’s spy agency reported that North Korea has sent more troops to Russia after suffering heavy casualties on the Russian-Ukraine fronts. The National Intelligence Service is assessing the number of additional troops deployed, particularly in Russia’s Kursk region. North Korea has been supplying weapons and previously sent 10,000-12,000 troops to Russia. Despite being disciplined, North Korean soldiers face challenges due to lack of combat experience. Casualty estimates vary, with South Korea reporting 300 deaths and 2,700 injuries, while Ukraine and U.S. figures differ. Additional troops were reportedly sent between January and February. Penelope Kingsley 28/02/2025 6:00 am
In February, a Chinese naval task group, including the Type 055 cruiser Zunyi, conducted live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea, causing alarm in Australia and New Zealand. The exercises led to commercial flight diversions and raised concerns about China’s military presence near Australia. Despite China’s claims of compliance with international law, the drills were criticized for being too close to civilian air routes. Jennifer Parker from the Australian National University noted that such naval activities are common and legal, though China’s proximity to air routes was seen as poor practice. Penelope Kingsley 28/02/2025 6:00 am
Gunfire and explosions disrupted a rally by rebel leaders in Bukavu, eastern DR Congo, recently captured by Rwanda-backed rebels. Videos show chaos and bodies on the streets. At least 11 people were killed and 60 wounded, according to a hospital source. Rebels blamed President Tshisekedi’s government, while he accused a “foreign army.” Rebel leader Corneille Nangaa promised security but had left before the attack. Two suspects were apprehended. The conflict has displaced 500,000 people, worsening the humanitarian crisis. Penelope Kingsley 28/02/2025 2:30 am
Israel’s military released a report detailing failures during Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack, which led to the Gaza war. The report admits the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) failed to protect civilians, with 1,200 lives lost and 251 hostages taken. It highlights misjudgments of Hamas’s intentions and capabilities, noting Gaza was seen as a secondary threat compared to Iran and Hezbollah. The military’s “conflict management” approach underestimated Hamas’s war preparations, despite evidence from 2018. A new assessment emerged but wasn’t shared with senior officials, revealing complacency and intelligence gaps. Ava Sinclair 27/02/2025 11:00 pm
Three parties in Austria have formed a new centrist government after difficult negotiations, following a failed attempt by a far-right party. The coalition includes the conservative Austrian People’s Party, center-left Social Democrats, and liberal Neos. Key issues addressed are migration, the economy, and extremism. The agreement includes strict asylum rules, a mandatory integration program, and a potential headscarf ban for girls under 14. The government aims to tackle Austria’s budget deficit, rising unemployment, and extremism, with measures like a bank levy and increased social media responsibility. Ava Sinclair 27/02/2025 11:00 pm
At least 40 Uyghur men detained in Thailand for over a decade have been deported to China, despite appeals from Thai lawmakers and international officials. The deportation is criticized as a violation of international human rights laws. U.N. High Commissioner Volker Türk and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the action, urging China to ensure the men’s safety and disclose their whereabouts. Rubio highlighted the risk of rights violations and criticized Thailand for not upholding its human rights commitments. Penelope Kingsley 27/02/2025 11:00 pm
North Korea has reportedly sent more soldiers to Russia and redeployed others to the frontline in the Kursk region, according to South Korea’s intelligence agency. The exact number is unknown, but estimates suggest at least 1,000 additional troops. Neither Russia nor North Korea has confirmed this. North Korean troops have faced heavy losses since their initial deployment to support Russia in Ukraine. Despite reports of their vulnerability to modern warfare, experts caution against underestimating them. The conflict, initiated by Russia in February 2022, continues with significant losses on both sides. Ava Sinclair 27/02/2025 7:30 pm
